Visual programming allows users to create programs using graphics such as blocks and icons, making coding more accessible. Key features include control blocks, sprites, and a block palette for organizing programs visually. Examples of visual programming platforms include Scratch and Blockly, which utilize reserved words, syntax rules, and control structures to execute instructions.

1. VISUAL PROGRAMMING
CONCEPTS

2. VISUAL PROGRAMMING
Visual programming is a programming language
that allows people to create programs using
graphics such as blocks, buttons, icons and
figures. It enables the programmer to develop
programs using terms that human
beings understand.
We can also say
Visual coding offers the ability to code
graphically, or visually, usually through the use of
blocks and drag-and-drop (also referred to as click
and drag) processes as opposed to doing so

3. Types of visual programming
applications
There are many applications that can
enable you to create programs in visual
programming. Examples include:
Code.org
Microsoft Make
Scratch
Blockly
Sprite box

4. VISUAL PROGRAMMING FEATURES
CONTROL
BLOCKS
STAGE
PANE
SPRITE
SPRITE
PANE
BLOCK
PALETTE

5. FUNCTIONS OF FEATURES OF
SCRATCH PROGRAMMING
Stage pane
This is the area where the sprites move
according to the instructions given. The
programmer can set the stage to have different
backgrounds.
Sprite
These are images, objects or actors that can be
programmed. They respond to the instructions
given using the blocks.

6. Script
An instruction that tells the actors what to
say or do. Each sprite is programmed with
a script to perform different actions.
Block palette
This is the area where the different blocks
used to program are located.

7. Control blocks
These are the shapes that are used to create
codes in scratch. They are found on the
programming palette, they are color-coded
and they fit into each other like a jigsaw
puzzle
Sprite pane.
This shows icons of all sprites and backdrops
available in the project with the selected item
highlighted. It allows easy access and
modification of sprites.

8. Backpack
This is a small area to the bottom of the
Block Palette that stores scripts, costumes,
and sounds. It allows for them to be
transferred from one project to another.

9. TERMS USED IN VISUAL PROGRAMMING
Reserved words
A reserved word is a word that has a unique
meaning and function in the application or the
programming language in use. It looks like a
normal word but is not used as a normal word
in that programming language.
Examples of reserved words in scratch includes
move, turn, when clicked, repeat and if then.

10. Syntax
Syntax refers to the rules that define how
symbols are arranged in a programming
language to be considered correctly structured.
This means that specific words or graphics, set
in a specific order, tell a computer what you
want it to do. When you try to run a program
without proper syntax for example a missing
punctuation mark it results in a syntax error.

11. Variables
Variable refers to names of objects that store
data and information in a program. Variables
act as containers for storing data and
information before and after program
execution.
Variable declaration
A variable declaration defines the name and
the type of the variable.

12. Input output
Input statements are instructions requesting the
user to enter statements data using the
keyboard. In Scratch they are contained in the
sensing menu. For example, the ask command
can be used to prompt you to type an answer to
a question.

13. Output statement
Prompts (tells) the program to display
numbers, letters and sentences which are the
outcome from a process. In Scratch, these are
contained in the Looks menu. Examples are
say or think commands. The below command
displays the word Hello as the output.

14. Control structures
These are blocks of instructions that determine the
order in which program instructions are executed. In
Scratch, they are contained in the Controls menu.
There are three basic control structures:
1.Sequential-This follows a series of instructions in
a given sequence unless a new instruction is
given.
2.Selection or Conditional - This involves a
number of conditions where the program chooses
one. There are two selection statements in
Scratch, if-then and if-then- else.

15. 3. Loop-Loops are control structures that allow
sections of code to be executed repeatedly.

16. Question
Why did the Scratch cat bring a
ladder to the computer lab?
Because it wanted to reach the
higher "code"-fidence level!